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Bourg-Saint-Andéol, town in the Ardèche (07700 )

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Bourg-Saint-Andéol is a commune in the south of the Ardèche department, between Saint-Montan and Saint-Marcel-d’Ardèche on the banks of the Rhône river, opposite Pierrelatte in the Drôme. Here’s a closer look at the town, with a map and practical links.

view of Bourg-Saint-Andéol in Ardèche from the Rhône river
Bourg-Saint-Andéol,town centre, on the banks of the Rhône river

Bourg-Saint-Andéol in the Ardèche

Located in the Ardèche department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, Bourg-Saint-Andéol covers an area of almost 44 km² and has a population of just under 7,500. Nestling between the Rhône to the east and the Ardèche hills to the west, the town boasts a riverside lifestyle and a wine-growing heritage that bear witness to its history and specific geography.

A little geography

The commune lies at the foot of the Mediterranean Laoul massif, with its holm oaks, pines and boxwoods. The Rhône River runs along its eastern edge, and the southern hills close in on the western horizon, with a Mediterranean climate of dry summers and mild winters. This geographical mosaic offers wooded areas, landscaped riverbanks and areas favourable to biodiversity.

The region is criss-crossed by a number of major transport routes, including the D86 departmental road that runs along the right bank of the Rhône, a railway dedicated to goods traffic, and the ViaRhôna, a cycle route that also runs along the river.

A touch of history

The origins of Bourg-Saint-Andéol date back to antiquity, when it was known as Bergoiata, and became a centre of worship with the beheading of Saint-Andéol in the3rdcentury. It became the centre of a bishopric in the Middle Ages, and its fortifications and palace bear witness to its religious and strategic importance. In the 17th century, the town took part in the Catholic Reformation in the Vivar region. The industrial era brought spinning mills, tanneries, marble works and municipal electricity from 1888. In August 1944, an American bombing raid caused extensive destruction on the right bank of the Rhône. Since then, Bourg-Saint-Andéol has regained a new look while preserving its heritage.

A zest for the local economy

Commerce forms the core of its activity, with 80% of shops, not to mention its role as a service centre for neighbouring towns. Although some traditional factories have disappeared, the watchmaking economy has been transformed towards nuclear energy via Tricastin (Drôme), employing many local people. Agriculture is still present, with vineyards (AOC Côtes du Rhône), olive groves and orchards. The Fanjouge area is home to local businesses in services, logistics and healthcare.

A pinch of tourism

Bourg-Saint-Andéol boasts a rich historical heritage (bishops’ palaces, churches, town houses), complemented by contemporary culture centred around the circus arts at La Cascade. The town also plays host to a number of one-off events, including seasonal markets on the quayside, traditional festivals and open stages. The town’s natural setting is ideal for walks along the Rhône, exploring the nearby gorges and dolmens in the southern Ardèche.

Places of interest in Bourg-Saint-Andéol


️ Historical and cultural heritage

  • Saint-Andéol church
    Romanesque monument, crypt with3rd-century sarcophagus, 12th-centurylantern tower
  • Palais des évêques
    The former residence of the prelates of the Vivarais region, this vast complex was listed as a historic monument in 1946.
  • Private mansions
    Several 16th-18th century buildings structure the historic centre.
  • An ancient bas-relief of the god Mithra
    In the Tourne valley, a remnant of a time of worship in honour of Mithra, a belief of Iranian origin that was very present in the Roman world until the3rd century AD.

Natural areas and leisure

  • Quai du Rhône
    A great place to take a stroll and observe the flora and fauna of the islands of Dames to the north and Souteyranne to the south.
  • Resurgences in the Tourne valley
    Two gouls, Vaucluse-type resurgences, and a renowned speleological site, with a 19th-century wash-house.
  • Forêt du Laoul
     2,000 hectares of Mediterranean scrubland and woodland to the west of the town, ideal for hiking, mountain biking and discovering vestige sites such as dolmens, Neolithic burial sites, the Chalon chapel and ancient quarries.
  • ViaRhôna

The cycle path crosses over to the other bank of the Rhône in the Drôme, at Saint-Rambert-d’Albon. It can be reached via the Serrières bridge to the north, or the Andance bridge to the south.
➡ Find out more about the ViaRhôna in Saint-Rambert-d’Albon?

  • Walking tour

The trails around Bourg-Saint-Andéol offer routes suitable for all levels, towards the Gorges de l’Ardèche, along the Rhône and towards the Sorbier and Géantes woods or the Côte Bouchard greenhouse.
➡ Hiking and cycling trails via the Gorges de l’ Ardèche tourist office

Transport and access

The D86 (formerly RN86) runs through the commune, linking it to Le Teil and Montélimar to the north, and Pont-Saint-Esprit in the Gard department to the south.
TheA7 motorway exits at Montélimar sud (Drôme) to the north and Bollène (Vaucluse) to the south.

By train, the nearest station is Bollène SNCF station in the Vaucluse, on the other side of the Rhône, with links to Valence, Lyon, Avignon, Marseille and Nîmes.

For public transport, visit the page dedicated to buses in the Ardèche.

Weather in the commune

Weather forecast with sky, temperature, wind and precipitation:

Where to sleep?

Looking for a hotel, apartment rental, BnB or other type of accommodation in Bourg-Saint-Andéol for a night, weekend or longer stay in or near the town? Here’s what to look for and find, according to your needs and budget:

Lien web

Bourg-Saint-Andéol on the map

Location of the commune and situation in the Ardèche on the banks of the Rhône River :